Maine Lawmakers Debate $450K Fund for Home Security

Proposal aims to address rising threats against state legislators, but some question if taxpayers should foot the bill.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Maine lawmakers are considering a bill that would create a $450,000 fund to help install home security systems for state legislators facing an increase in threats. While supporters argue the measure is needed to protect public servants, some lawmakers are skeptical about using taxpayer money for this purpose.

Why it matters

The debate highlights the growing concerns over threats against elected officials and whether the state should provide security measures for lawmakers' private residences. It also raises questions about the appropriate use of public funds and whether this proposal is the best solution to address the problem.

The details

The bill, LD 695, was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Teresa Pierce, D-Falmouth, who has personally experienced threats while in public service. The proposal would allow legislators to request a security system, which would be reviewed and implemented by the State House Legislative Council. However, some lawmakers, such as Rep. Randall Greenwood, R-Wales, argue that legislators should pay for their own home security systems rather than using taxpayer money.

  • In 2023, the Department of Public Safety reported 23 threats made against Maine legislators.
  • Within two years, the number of threats jumped to 111.

The players

Teresa Pierce

Senate Majority Leader, D-Falmouth, who introduced the bill and has been the target of threats during her time in public service.

Randall Greenwood

Rep., R-Wales, who is skeptical about using taxpayer money to fund home security systems for legislators.

Mattie Daughtry

Senate President, D-Cumberland, who supports the bill and says lawmakers have faced threats, including bomb threats and rape threats.

Joe Martin

Sen., R-Oxford, who believes the State House is the least safe place for legislators and that they should be allowed to carry concealed weapons there.

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What they’re saying

“I would never want someone not to feel safe because they didn't have the ability to do this on their own.”

— Teresa Pierce, Senate Majority Leader (newscentermaine.com)

“We've had members of this legislature swatted and their family members evacuated due to a bomb threat. We've had consistent death threats. We've had consistent rape threats against bipartisan female members of this legislature.”

— Mattie Daughtry, Senate President (newscentermaine.com)

“I really believe that legislators, if they're trusted enough by their constituents to come down here and represent them, they should be allowed to carry a concealed weapon with them down here if they want to.”

— Joe Martin, Sen., R-Oxford (newscentermaine.com)

What’s next

The State and Local Government Committee will continue to debate the bill and its merits before deciding whether to move it forward for a vote in the full legislature.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the growing concerns over threats against elected officials and the difficult balance between protecting public servants and the appropriate use of taxpayer funds. It also raises questions about security measures at the State House and whether lawmakers should be allowed to carry concealed weapons there.